Nikoloz Chkheidze, head of the Georgian-American Republican Alliance (GARA USA) and the “Tvistomi” Association, has been appointed Vice Chair of the Brooklyn Republican Party, responsible for relations with Georgian and other ethnic communities. The decision was made at the party convention on September 25.

Accent spoke with Nikoloz Chkheidze about this appointment:

– Mr. Chkheidze, how do you feel about your new appointment, and how did you reach this point?

This is a great honor and an enormous responsibility for me. It gives me an opportunity to serve the community I have been part of for many years even more effectively. This achievement is not mine alone—it belongs to my team, which works tirelessly every day toward our shared goals.

I also want to note that another Georgian, Ketevan Goldi, a member of the GARA USA Council, was appointed to lead the Brooklyn Republican Party’s youth engagement efforts. I warmly congratulate Ketevan and wish her a successful and fulfilling political career. This is a victory for all of us!

As for my journey, it has been shaped by years of active involvement in community work. I have always sought to establish strong connections between the diaspora and local communities. I organized meetings, cultural events, and civic and political initiatives—anything that helped Georgian immigrants integrate and remain connected to Georgia.

With these goals in mind, in 2003 I founded the “Tvistomi” Association, which unites Georgian expatriates into a well-structured and organized community. For me, “Tvistomi” is more than a formal organization—it is a space for fostering Georgian identity, solidarity, and mutual support, where everyone is equal regardless of political or religious beliefs.

The aim of “Tvistomi” was to unite dispersed and unorganized emigrants. When we realized that the Georgian diaspora’s voice was not being heard in political processes and that forming a Georgian lobby was practically impossible, we decided to create a political platform. Together with like-minded colleagues, we founded the Georgian-American Republican Alliance (GARA USA), an organization that represents values and goals we believe are crucial for every active citizen: to give the diaspora a voice, strengthen its engagement in American democratic processes, and promote Georgian-American relations. GARA USA is the first Georgian political organization in the United States.

Within the alliance, we organize meetings with local political leaders, collaborate with educational and cultural organizations, and actively participate in elections. Last year, two candidates we supported won seats in the New York State Assembly and Senate. This year, a member of our team won in the City Council elections. Our members also serve on the New York State Board of Elections.

One of our main goals is to increase the civic and political engagement of Georgians living in the U.S. We believe that only an active and organized diaspora can make a real impact in its environment. Building on this engagement, our next priority is advocating for Georgian interests in the American political arena to ensure that issues related to Georgia receive greater attention and support in U.S. domestic and foreign policy.

– What are your goals and priorities within the Brooklyn Republican Party?

My main goal is to strengthen the Republican Party in New York. This can only happen if local ethnic communities are actively involved, especially in elections. To achieve this, I plan to establish a “roundtable” format with ethnic communities, based on my long-standing vision of creating strong, direct connections with immigrant communities. I will hold active meetings to hear their needs firsthand and ensure that these needs reach decision-makers, working together to address them. This will create a bridge between ethnic communities and government. Effective participation of these groups will make their voices an influential part of the political process. I have already planned several events to foster dialogue and cooperation, and the press will be invited to these events.

– What does your appointment mean for the Georgian diaspora, and what benefits will it bring?

It means that Georgians now have a voice in American politics. This will allow the Georgian community greater opportunities to express its needs and interests, while also strengthening the protection of its rights.

– What role will the Georgian-American Republican Alliance play in your new responsibilities?

The alliance will serve as a central platform for our diaspora, uniting our compatriots and strengthening the community’s political influence. It is a key step toward creating a Georgian socio-political lobby in the U.S., ensuring the diaspora’s security and stable development.

– How important is diaspora representation within party structures?

It is very important. It strengthens the protection of our community’s interests, increases our engagement in local political processes, and ensures that we move from being observers to active participants in society—something that has not been fully achieved until now.

– What message would you like to share with the Georgian and American communities following your appointment?

To Georgians, I would say this is a collective victory that demonstrates our capabilities and resources while opening new perspectives. To Americans, I would say that Georgians are reliable partners in the country’s development, ready to be actively involved in civic and political life. Our community represents a strong and effective force in contributing to nation-building.